Today I read an interesting article about a Bill that Governor Rick Perry recently passed. The Bill that Rick Perry passed is regarding the consequences of teenage sexting. Now I am sure that most of you know what sexting is but for those of you who do not. Sexting is the act of sending explicit text and photo messages via cell phone, computers, and other mobile devices
I never thought the day would come when a Bill would be called for in order to keep teens from sending each other illicit photos, but it appears that in the era we are in this has now become necessary. What are the consequences if a teenager is caught sexting? Teenagers can be charged with a misdemeanor along with be sentenced to take classes that will help educate them on the danger and consequences of their behavior. If the recipient of the messages reports the illicit message within 48 hours to authorities the recipient will avoid prosecution.
I feel as if this Bill was something most certainly necessary as more teenagers have access to cell phones, computer and the internet. This Bill will help protect teenagers from making a mistake that they are unable to simply delete or erase. Teenagers need to realize the severity of them sending out these messages. I am completely for this Bill being enacted as teens need to be aware of what harm these images could cause them in the long run and for them to look past the initial excitement or possible peer pressure. The fact that if a teen is caught being involved in this illicit behavior will cause them to take educational classes makes me feel as if this law attempting to inform teens. The worry I see with this law is the severity of the misdemeanor, this goes permanently on a person’s criminal record which could affect people from getting a job or even getting enrolled in certain colleges.
https://www.oag.state.tx.us/agency/weeklyag/2011/0311sexting.pdf
